Fatal crash passenger stole alcohol in Portlaoise 

A passenger in a car involved in a fatal crash in Laois has admitted stealing a bottle of vodka in Portlaoise. 

Lee Dennehy, 21, of 25 Roselawn, Portlaoise admitted stealing the bottle of Smirnoff from Aldi in Portlaoise on June 6 last.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant walked into the shop, picked up the bottle and left without attempting to pay. He said the bottle was worth €23. He said the man had five previous convictions.   

Solicitor Philip Meagher told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that his client was living at home and in receipt of social welfare. 

“He was a passenger in a vehicle which was involved in a tragic fatal accident at the Rock of Dunamase last October,” said Mr Meagher. 

He said the defendant had witnessed a “terrible scene” that day and had turned to alcohol in the aftermath of the event. 

“He tells me he is no longer drinking,” said Mr Meagher. 

He said the man had brought €25 to court and was dealing with his trauma through counselling. He pointed out that there was a plea of guilty and that the defendant wasn’t stealing alcohol to sell. 

Judge Andrew Cody adjourned the case to December 14 for the compilation of a probation and welfare report. He warned the defendant not to get in any trouble in the meantime.